Hyderabad: Advertising boards known as “flexis” have become a serious problem in the city after heavy rain and strong winds hit on Thursday. These boards, which were put up illegally along roads, are now hanging dangerously or have fallen down.
The storm caused many of these flex boards to collapse onto major roads, damaging both roads and vehicles. Areas affected include Nampally, Lakdikapul, Masab Tank, Banjara Hills, Sri Nagar Colony, Vijay Nagar Colony, Saidabad, and Malakpet. Most of these banners were recently installed for festival celebrations.
Motorists are especially worried about the PVNR Expressway. Many flexis there are tied to wooden frames and poles, and they are breaking apart and falling onto passing vehicles. Another danger is the nails from these boards, which are falling onto the road and causing flat tires. “If a car gets a flat, just think about the trouble passengers will face. Getting help on the Expressway is very difficult,” said Salauddin, a cab driver.
Similar problems have been seen in other areas like Chandrayangutta, Santoshnagar, Bahadurpura, Dilsukhnagar, Pahadishareef, and Shamshabad. Many of the boards are fixed to poles in the middle or on the sides of the roads.
People are now calling on the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) to take immediate action. They want the illegal boards removed and those responsible to be punished.
